nüchtern
nüchtern 30秒で
- Sober; not drunk.
- Unemotional; pragmatic.
- Plain; unadorned.
- Used for people, actions, and objects.
- Primary Meaning
- Sober, not under the influence of alcohol.
- Secondary Meaning
- Unemotional, pragmatic, matter-of-fact, plain, unadorned.
Er muss nüchtern zur Operation erscheinen.
Sie hat eine sehr nüchterne Einschätzung der Situation.
- Predicate Use
- Most common, follows linking verbs like 'sein' or 'werden'.
- Attributive Use
- Precedes nouns, especially in the secondary meaning ('plain', 'matter-of-fact').
- Adverbial Use
- Less common, often the adjective form is used instead.
Nach dem Fest war er endlich wieder nüchtern.
Die nüchterne Wahrheit ist, dass wir mehr Geld brauchen.
- Medical Contexts
- Instructions before surgery or medical tests.
- Legal & Safety
- Driving regulations, police interactions.
- Social Gatherings
- Discussions about alcohol consumption.
- Professional & Analytical
- Describing objective reports, pragmatic approaches.
- Aesthetics & Design
- Describing plain, functional architecture or decor.
Der Arzt wies ihn an, vor dem Bluttest nüchtern zu bleiben.
Seine Analyse des Marktes war bemerkenswert nüchtern.
- Meaning Confusion
- Confusing 'sober' with 'unemotional' or 'plain', and vice-versa.
- Grammatical Errors
- Incorrect declension when used attributively, or wrong placement.
- Overuse or Underuse
- Using 'nüchtern' when a more specific word is needed, or failing to use it when it's the best fit.
- Literal Translation
- Translating the figurative meaning too literally, leading to awkward phrasing.
Incorrect: Er ist ein nüchterner Junge.
Incorrect: Wir brauchen eine nüchterne Feier.
In the sense of unemotional or pragmatic, several alternatives exist. Sachlich is a very close synonym, meaning objective, factual, and business-like. It's often used in professional contexts for reports or discussions. 'Eine sachliche Darstellung' is very similar to 'eine nüchterne Analyse'. Ruhig means calm or quiet, and while someone who is nüchtern might also be ruhig, ruhig focuses more on a lack of agitation or noise, whereas nüchtern emphasizes a lack of emotional display or a pragmatic outlook. Besonnen implies being prudent, sensible, and level-headed, often used for someone who makes wise decisions under pressure. It carries a more positive connotation of thoughtful composure than nüchtern, which can sometimes sound a bit detached. Pragmatisch itself is often used in German, directly borrowed from English, and means pragmatic, focusing on practical results.
For the meaning of plain or unadorned, alternatives include einfach (simple), schlicht (plain, modest), and zweckmäßig (functional, practical). 'Eine einfache Einrichtung' (a simple interior) is similar to 'eine nüchterne Einrichtung', but 'einfach' can also mean easy. 'Schlicht' is often used for design and style, implying a lack of fussiness. 'Zweckmäßig' specifically highlights the functionality of an object or design.
When choosing an alternative, consider the exact shade of meaning you wish to convey. If the focus is purely on the absence of alcohol, 'klar' or 'ausgeschlafen' might be used in specific contexts, but 'nüchtern' remains the primary term. If you want to emphasize objectivity and facts, 'sachlich' is an excellent choice. For a general sense of calmness, 'ruhig' is suitable. For a more positive sense of wise composure, 'besonnen' is better. And for describing simple, functional design, 'einfach' or 'schlicht' are good options. The choice between these words depends heavily on the specific context and the desired connotation.
- Meaning: Sober
- Klar: Clear-headed, lucid (broader than just alcohol).
Ausgeschlafen: Well-rested, alert (not necessarily alcohol-related). - Meaning: Unemotional/Pragmatic
- Sachlich: Objective, factual, business-like (very close synonym).
Ruhig: Calm, quiet (focus on lack of agitation).
Besonnen: Prudent, sensible, level-headed (more positive, thoughtful).
Pragmatisch: Pragmatic, results-oriented. - Meaning: Plain/Unadorned
- Einfach: Simple (can also mean easy).
Schlicht: Plain, modest, unpretentious.
Zweckmäßig: Functional, practical.
Er gab eine sehr sachliche Erklärung ab.
Das Zimmer war schlicht, aber gemütlich.
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
The original meaning of 'nüchtern' was related to fasting, particularly overnight. This is why it's etymologically linked to the German word for night, 'Nacht'. The connection to being 'sober' developed because fasting often involved abstaining from alcohol as well.
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing 'ü' as 'oo' in 'moon'.
- Pronouncing 'ch' as 'k' or 'sh'.
- Not rounding the lips sufficiently for the 'ü' sound.
難易度
The primary meaning of 'sober' is straightforward. The figurative meanings require understanding context and nuance, which can be challenging for intermediate learners.
Choosing the correct meaning and grammatical structure (especially attributive use) can be tricky. Overuse or underuse is also a potential pitfall.
Pronunciation of 'ü' and 'ch' can be difficult. Using the word appropriately in context requires a good grasp of its dual meanings.
Distinguishing between the 'sober' and 'unemotional/plain' meanings based on context is key to comprehension.
次に学ぶべきこと
前提知識
次に学ぶ
上級
知っておくべき文法
Adjective declension
A 'nüchterner Mann' (masculine nominative) vs. 'eine nüchterne Frau' (feminine nominative) vs. 'ein nüchternes Kind' (neuter nominative).
Predicate adjectives
The adjective 'nüchtern' often follows verbs like 'sein' or 'werden' and does not take endings: 'Der Patient ist nüchtern.' 'Er wurde nüchtern.'
Verb phrases with 'nüchtern'
'Nüchtern bleiben' (to stay sober) and 'nüchtern werden' (to become sober) function as verb phrases.
Comparative and Superlative
While less common, 'nüchterner' (more sober/plain) and 'am nüchternsten' (most sober/plain) exist.
Adverbial use
Although less frequent, 'nüchtern' can sometimes function as an adverb, e.g., 'Er sprach nüchtern' (He spoke matter-of-factly).
レベル別の例文
Ich bin nüchtern.
I am sober.
Simple statement of being sober.
Bitte nüchtern bleiben.
Please remain sober.
Imperative form, common instruction.
Er ist nüchtern.
He is sober.
Simple statement about a male.
Sie ist nüchtern.
She is sober.
Simple statement about a female.
Das Auto ist nüchtern.
The car is plain/simple.
Used for objects, meaning plain.
Ein nüchterner Blick.
A matter-of-fact look.
Describes a facial expression as unemotional.
Wir sind nüchtern.
We are sober.
Plural statement of sobriety.
Keine Drinks, bitte. Ich bin nüchtern.
No drinks, please. I am sober.
Expressing a personal choice to remain sober.
Der Arzt sagte, ich muss nüchtern sein.
The doctor said I must be sober.
Use of 'müssen' (must) with 'nüchtern sein'.
Sie trinkt keinen Alkohol, sie will nüchtern bleiben.
She doesn't drink alcohol, she wants to stay sober.
Expressing a desire to remain sober.
Nach der Feier war er endlich nüchtern.
After the party, he was finally sober.
Describing a state after an event.
Das ist eine nüchterne Bewertung.
That is a matter-of-fact assessment.
Using 'nüchtern' to describe an evaluation.
Sein Zimmer ist sehr nüchtern eingerichtet.
His room is furnished very plainly.
Describing the style of a room.
Fahren Sie bitte nüchtern.
Please drive sober.
Common instruction for drivers.
Wir brauchen eine nüchterne Entscheidung.
We need a pragmatic decision.
Referring to the nature of a decision.
Er hat eine nüchterne Art zu sprechen.
He has a matter-of-fact way of speaking.
Describing a person's speaking style.
Vor der Operation muss der Patient unbedingt nüchtern sein.
Before the operation, the patient absolutely must be sober.
Emphasis with 'unbedingt' (absolutely).
Ihre nüchterne Analyse der Situation half uns, die richtigen Schritte zu unternehmen.
Her sober analysis of the situation helped us to take the right steps.
Using 'nüchtern' attributively before 'Analyse'.
Er ist kein Trinker, aber er muss für seine Arbeit manchmal nüchtern bleiben.
He is not a drinker, but he sometimes has to stay sober for his work.
Context of professional requirements.
Die Architektur des Gebäudes ist sehr nüchtern und funktional.
The architecture of the building is very plain and functional.
Describing architectural style.
Lass dich nicht von Emotionen leiten, triff eine nüchterne Entscheidung.
Don't be guided by emotions, make a pragmatic decision.
Giving advice to make a rational choice.
Nach dem Unfall war er zunächst sehr geschockt, aber dann wurde er schnell wieder nüchtern.
After the accident, he was initially very shocked, but then he quickly became sober/clear-headed again.
Used for regaining composure or clarity.
Der Bericht präsentiert die Fakten in einer nüchternen Sprache.
The report presents the facts in a matter-of-fact language.
Describing the style of written text.
Sie schätzt seine nüchterne Art, weil er immer ehrlich ist.
She appreciates his unemotional manner because he is always honest.
Describing a personality trait positively.
Die medizinische Anweisung lautet, dass der Patient für mindestens acht Stunden vor der Prozedur nüchtern bleiben muss.
The medical instruction states that the patient must remain sober for at least eight hours before the procedure.
Complex sentence with a subordinate clause.
Eine nüchterne Betrachtung der wirtschaftlichen Lage legt nahe, dass wir unsere Ausgaben kürzen müssen.
A sober consideration of the economic situation suggests that we must cut our expenses.
Using 'nüchtern' with an abstract noun 'Betrachtung'.
Er pflegte eine äußerst nüchterne Lebensweise, frei von übermäßigem Genuss.
He maintained an extremely sober lifestyle, free from excessive indulgence.
Describing a lifestyle.
Die nüchterne Eleganz des Designs entsprach genau dem gewünschten Image.
The plain elegance of the design precisely matched the desired image.
Describing aesthetic qualities.
Angesichts der Umstände war eine nüchterne Einschätzung unerlässlich, um Panik zu vermeiden.
Given the circumstances, a sober assessment was essential to avoid panic.
Emphasizing the necessity of a pragmatic view.
Seine Reaktion auf die Nachricht war bemerkenswert nüchtern; er zeigte kaum Emotionen.
His reaction to the news was remarkably unemotional; he showed hardly any emotion.
Highlighting a lack of emotional response.
Die Aufgabe erforderte eine nüchterne Herangehensweise, die reine Logik und keine Gefühle berücksichtigte.
The task required a matter-of-fact approach that considered pure logic and no feelings.
Describing a method or approach.
Nachdem sie sich beruhigt hatte, konnte sie die Situation mit einem nüchternen Blick betrachten.
After she had calmed down, she was able to view the situation with a sober perspective.
Using 'nüchtern' as a perspective.
Die Verordnung schreibt vor, dass alle Teilnehmer vor der Teilnahme an der Veranstaltung nüchtern zu sein haben.
The regulation stipulates that all participants must be sober before attending the event.
Formal language with 'vorzuschreiben' and 'zu sein haben'.
Eine nüchterne Reflexion über die historischen Ereignisse offenbart wiederkehrende Muster menschlichen Verhaltens.
A sober reflection on historical events reveals recurring patterns of human behavior.
Using 'nüchtern' with abstract concepts like 'Reflexion'.
Er vertrat konsequent eine nüchterne Haltung, die jegliche Form von Sentimentalität ablehnte.
He consistently adopted a matter-of-fact stance that rejected any form of sentimentality.
Describing an attitude or stance.
Die nüchterne Ästhetik des Minimalismus betont die Funktionalität und reduziert überflüssige Elemente.
The plain aesthetics of minimalism emphasize functionality and reduce superfluous elements.
Discussing aesthetic principles.
Nur durch eine nüchterne Bewertung der Risiken können wir fundierte strategische Entscheidungen treffen.
Only through a sober assessment of the risks can we make well-founded strategic decisions.
Emphasizing the importance of objective assessment for decision-making.
Ihre Fähigkeit, selbst in Krisenzeiten einen nüchternen Kopf zu bewahren, machte sie zu einer wertvollen Führungskraft.
Her ability to keep a sober head even in times of crisis made her a valuable leader.
Idiomatic use of 'einen nüchternen Kopf bewahren'.
Die literarische Darstellung fokussierte sich auf eine nüchterne Wiedergabe der Realität, ohne sie zu beschönigen.
The literary depiction focused on a matter-of-fact rendering of reality, without embellishing it.
Describing the style of literary representation.
Er sah die Situation mit einer pragmatischen, fast schon nüchternen Ernsthaftigkeit, die Raum für Gefühle ließ.
He saw the situation with a pragmatic, almost sober seriousness that left room for feelings.
Nuanced use, suggesting sobriety can coexist with seriousness.
Die rechtliche Doktrin verlangt, dass der Angeklagte vor der Zeugenaussage vollständig nüchtern ist.
Legal doctrine requires that the accused be completely sober before testifying.
Formal legal context, emphasizing completeness.
Eine nüchterne Analyse der geopolitischen Spannungen offenbart die tief verwurzelten Ursachen des Konflikts.
A sober analysis of the geopolitical tensions reveals the deep-rooted causes of the conflict.
Complex analysis of global issues.
Sein lebenslanges Streben nach intellektueller Redlichkeit manifestierte sich in einer stets nüchternen und faktenbasierten Argumentation.
His lifelong pursuit of intellectual honesty manifested in consistently sober and fact-based argumentation.
Describing a lifelong characteristic and its manifestation.
Die nüchterne Sachlichkeit des Museums zeugt von einer bewussten Entscheidung gegen jede Form von Effekthascherei.
The plain objectivity of the museum testifies to a conscious decision against any form of sensationalism.
Discussing curated exhibits and design philosophy.
Nur durch die Fähigkeit, auch unter extremem Druck einen nüchternen Verstand zu bewahren, lassen sich solch komplexe Probleme lösen.
Only by the ability to maintain a sober mind even under extreme pressure can such complex problems be solved.
Idiomatic phrasing for maintaining mental clarity in high-stress situations.
Die künstlerische Darstellung verzichtete bewusst auf jede Form von Sentimentalität und setzte auf eine nüchterne, fast klinische Darstellung der Realität.
The artistic representation deliberately dispensed with any form of sentimentality and relied on a sober, almost clinical depiction of reality.
Comparing artistic styles and their impact.
Er vermied jegliche emotionale Beteiligung, um eine maximal objektive und damit nüchterne Perspektive auf die Angelegenheit zu wahren.
He avoided any emotional involvement to maintain a maximally objective and thus sober perspective on the matter.
Explaining the motivation behind a detached approach.
Die Debatte zeichnete sich durch eine bemerkenswerte nüchternheit aus, die Raum für differenzierte Argumente ließ, anstatt in Polemik zu verfallen.
The debate was characterized by a remarkable sobriety, which allowed for nuanced arguments instead of descending into polemics.
Using the noun form 'Nüchternheit' (sobriety/plainness).
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— To remain sober, not to drink alcohol.
Er versprach seiner Frau, nüchtern zu bleiben.
— To be sober; to be unemotional or pragmatic.
Nach dem langen Tag war sie einfach müde, aber sie war nüchtern.
— An objective, factual, and unemotional assessment of a situation.
Die nüchterne Analyse des Problems zeigte, wo die Fehler lagen.
— A decision made based on facts and logic, not emotions.
Wir müssen eine nüchterne Entscheidung treffen, die dem Unternehmen am besten dient.
— Language that is factual, direct, and avoids embellishment or emotional tone.
Der Journalist benutzte eine nüchterne Sprache, um die Ereignisse zu beschreiben.
— To remain calm and rational, especially in difficult or stressful situations.
In der Krise war es wichtig, einen nüchternen Kopf zu bewahren.
— A plain, functional, and unadorned environment.
Das Krankenhauszimmer war einfach und hatte eine nüchterne Umgebung.
— A calm, objective, and realistic consideration of something.
Nach einer nüchternen Betrachtung der Fakten war klar, dass wir scheitern würden.
— The unvarnished, factual truth, often unpleasant.
Die nüchterne Wahrheit war, dass er die Prüfung nicht bestanden hatte.
— A practical, logical, and unemotional way of dealing with a task or problem.
Seine nüchterne Herangehensweise an das Projekt war sehr effektiv.
よく混同される語
'Betrunken' specifically means drunk or intoxicated, the direct opposite of 'nüchtern' in its primary sense. 'Nüchtern' is the state of not being drunk.
'Klar' can mean clear-headed or lucid, which overlaps with 'nüchtern' when recovering from intoxication. However, 'klar' is broader and can mean simply understandable or transparent, not necessarily related to alcohol.
'Sachlich' means factual or objective and is a synonym for the figurative meaning of 'nüchtern' (unemotional, matter-of-fact). 'Sachlich' focuses more on the content being fact-based, while 'nüchtern' can also imply a lack of emotional expression.
慣用句と表現
— To keep a clear and rational mind, especially in stressful or emotional situations. It emphasizes maintaining composure and logical thinking.
In der Hitze des Gefechts ist es entscheidend, einen nüchternen Kopf zu bewahren.
Neutral— To consider something objectively, factually, and without emotional bias. It implies a realistic and pragmatic viewpoint.
Wir müssen die Situation nüchtern betrachten, um die beste Lösung zu finden.
Neutral— Literally: to become sober. Figuratively: to regain one's senses, to become clear-headed after being confused, excited, or perhaps under the influence of something (not necessarily alcohol).
Nach dem Schock musste er erst einmal nüchtern werden.
Neutral— The unvarnished, often harsh or unpleasant truth about a situation.
Die nüchterne Realität holte ihn schnell ein, als er seine Schulden sah.
Neutral— An objective, unemotional, and realistic perspective.
Mit einem nüchternen Blick auf die Zahlen erkannte er das Problem sofort.
Neutral— A style that is simple, understated, and refined, lacking ostentation.
Das Kleid bestach durch seine nüchterne Eleganz.
Neutral— A detached and objective manner of dealing with facts or issues.
Seine nüchterne Sachlichkeit bei der Beurteilung des Falles war beeindruckend.
Formal— A realistic and unbiased assessment of a situation or issues.
Eine nüchterne Betrachtung der Dinge ist oft der erste Schritt zur Problemlösung.
Neutral— Plain, unexciting, or perhaps difficult circumstances.
Er wuchs unter sehr nüchternen Umständen auf.
Neutral— A reserved, unemotional, or matter-of-fact way of behaving or speaking.
Ihre nüchterne Art machte es schwer, ihre wahren Gefühle zu erkennen.
Neutral間違えやすい
Both can imply a state of mental alertness, especially after being confused or intoxicated.
'Klar' is broader and can mean understandable, obvious, or transparent. 'Nüchtern' specifically relates to sobriety from alcohol or a lack of emotionality/ornamentation. You can be 'klar' without being 'nüchtern' (e.g., a 'klare Aussage' - a clear statement), and vice versa in some contexts.
'Er ist wieder klar' (He is lucid again) can imply he's sober, but could also mean he's recovered from shock. 'Er ist wieder nüchtern' specifically implies he's no longer drunk.
Both describe an objective, unemotional approach or content.
'Sachlich' emphasizes the factual nature of something, the absence of subjective bias. 'Nüchtern' can imply this, but also a more reserved, plain, or even stark quality. 'Eine sachliche Analyse' is purely fact-based. 'Eine nüchterne Analyse' is fact-based and also perhaps delivered without emotional flair or embellishment, and can describe the style itself.
'Sein Bericht war sehr sachlich.' (His report was very factual.) 'Seine Rede war nüchtern und präzise.' (His speech was matter-of-fact and precise.)
Both can describe something as plain or unadorned.
'Einfach' means simple, and can also mean easy. 'Nüchtern' in this sense means plain, functional, and lacking decoration, often with a slightly more serious or austere connotation than 'einfach'. 'Ein einfaches Kleid' could be a simple summer dress. 'Ein nüchternes Kleid' might be a plain, dark dress for a formal but understated occasion.
'Das Haus ist einfach eingerichtet.' (The house is simply furnished.) 'Das Haus ist nüchtern eingerichtet.' (The house is plainly furnished, perhaps with a focus on functionality and less on comfort.)
It's the direct opposite of one of the primary meanings of 'nüchtern'.
'Nüchtern' means sober, not under the influence of alcohol. 'Betrunken' means drunk, intoxicated. They are antonyms.
'Er ist nüchtern.' (He is sober.) 'Er ist betrunken.' (He is drunk.)
It's an antonym to the figurative meaning of 'nüchtern' (unemotional).
'Nüchtern' describes a lack of emotional display or a pragmatic outlook. 'Emotional' describes someone who expresses feelings readily or is easily moved by feelings. They are opposites in terms of emotional expression.
'Ihre Reaktion war sehr nüchtern.' (Her reaction was very unemotional.) 'Ihre Reaktion war sehr emotional.' (Her reaction was very emotional.)
文型パターン
Ich bin nüchtern.
Ich bin nüchtern.
Du musst nüchtern bleiben.
Du musst nüchtern bleiben.
Er hat eine nüchterne Meinung.
Er hat eine nüchterne Meinung zu dem Projekt.
Sie ist nüchtern und ruhig.
Sie ist nüchtern und ruhig.
Wir brauchen eine nüchterne Analyse.
Wir brauchen eine nüchterne Analyse der Daten.
Man sollte die Situation nüchtern betrachten.
Man sollte die Situation nüchtern betrachten.
Seine nüchterne Art macht ihn zuverlässig.
Seine nüchterne Art macht ihn zu einem zuverlässigen Kollegen.
Eine nüchterne Betrachtung der Fakten ist unerlässlich.
Eine nüchterne Betrachtung der Fakten ist unerlässlich für den Erfolg.
語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
関連
使い方
High
-
Confusing 'sober' with 'unemotional'.
→
Context is key. If it's about alcohol, it's sober. If it's about attitude or style, it's unemotional/plain.
Learners might incorrectly assume 'nüchtern' always means unemotional, or vice versa. For example, saying 'Er ist nüchtern' might be misunderstood as unemotional when the speaker means sober.
-
Incorrect adjective declension.
→
Add correct endings when 'nüchtern' precedes a noun: 'eine nüchterne Analyse'. Keep it plain after 'sein': 'Die Analyse ist nüchtern.'
Forgetting the correct endings in attributive use is a common grammatical error for learners.
-
Overusing 'nüchtern' for 'calm' or 'quiet'.
→
Use 'ruhig' for calm/quiet, 'nüchtern' for lack of emotion or sobriety.
'Nüchtern' implies a more detached state than simply being 'ruhig'. Using 'nüchtern' for someone who is just quiet can sound too detached or even cold.
-
Literal translation of figurative meanings.
→
Translate 'nüchtern' as 'matter-of-fact', 'pragmatic', or 'plain' when appropriate, not just 'sober'.
Translating 'eine nüchterne Betrachtung' strictly as 'a sober consideration' might work, but 'a matter-of-fact consideration' captures the intended nuance better.
-
Pronunciation errors.
→
Practice the German 'ü' sound (lips rounded, like 'ee' in 'see') and the 'ch' sound (velar fricative, like Scottish 'loch').
Mispronouncing these sounds can make the word difficult to understand or sound incorrect.
ヒント
Understand the Context
The meaning of 'nüchtern' heavily depends on the context. If you hear it in relation to alcohol or driving, it means 'sober'. If it's about decisions, personality, or design, it means 'unemotional', 'pragmatic', or 'plain'.
Explore Synonyms
For the 'unemotional' meaning, 'sachlich' (factual) and 'besonnen' (prudent) are good alternatives. For 'plain', 'einfach' (simple) and 'schlicht' (modest) work. Understanding these helps grasp the nuances of 'nüchtern'.
Use it Actively
Try to create sentences using both meanings of 'nüchtern'. For example, 'Ich muss nüchtern bleiben, bevor ich fahre' and 'Seine Analyse war sehr nüchtern.' This active use solidifies your understanding.
Master the Pronunciation
The 'ü' sound and the 'ch' sound can be challenging for English speakers. Practice saying 'nüchtern' clearly, paying attention to lip rounding for 'ü' and the throat sound for 'ch'.
Recognize Figurative Meanings
Don't be surprised when 'nüchtern' is used to describe things like architecture, writing style, or even a person's character. This figurative usage is very common and adds richness to the language.
Check Grammatical Endings
When 'nüchtern' is used attributively (before a noun), it needs declension. For example, 'eine nüchterne Analyse' (feminine nominative). As a predicate adjective, it usually remains unchanged: 'Die Analyse ist nüchtern.'
Learn Idiomatic Expressions
Phrases like 'einen nüchternen Kopf bewahren' (to keep a clear head) are very common. Learning these will help you understand and use German more naturally.
Know its Opposites
Understanding the antonyms like 'betrunken' (drunk) and 'emotional' helps define the boundaries of 'nüchtern''s meaning.
Consider Cultural Context
The value placed on pragmatism and directness in German culture influences how 'nüchtern' is perceived. It's often seen as a sign of reliability and competence.
Connect to Related Words
Explore related terms like 'Nüchternheit' (sobriety/plainness) and verbs like 'nüchtern werden' (to become sober) to build a stronger understanding of the word family.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Imagine a monk who only eats and drinks after sunset. He must remain 'nüchtern' (sober/fasting) throughout the day. This monk is also very focused and unemotional in his prayers, reflecting the other meaning of 'nüchtern'.
視覚的連想
Picture a person's face looking very calm and serious, with no smile or frown. This person is 'nüchtern' – unemotional and plain. Or, imagine a clear, uncluttered room with only essential furniture – a 'nüchterne' room.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to use 'nüchtern' in five different sentences today, using both its primary and secondary meanings. Write them down and say them out loud.
語源
The word 'nüchtern' traces its roots back to Old High German 'nuchtarn' and Proto-Germanic '*nuhturnaz'. It is related to the concept of 'night' and implies a state achieved after a night without food or drink, thus being sober or fasting.
元の意味: Originally, it referred to fasting, specifically abstaining from food and drink, often overnight. This is why it is closely linked to the concept of 'night' (Nacht).
Indo-European, Germanic.文化的な背景
While 'nüchtern' can mean unemotional, it is not inherently negative. However, describing someone as 'nüchtern' might sometimes be perceived as implying a lack of warmth or empathy, depending on the context and tone. It's generally seen as a positive trait in professional or critical situations, indicating reliability and clear thinking.
In English-speaking cultures, 'sober' is primarily tied to alcohol. While 'unemotional' or 'plain' exist as concepts, the single word 'nüchtern' effectively combines them with the 'sober' meaning in a way that doesn't have a direct one-to-one equivalent in common English usage.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Medical instructions
- nüchtern bleiben
- nüchtern sein
- vor der Operation nüchtern
Discussions about alcohol
- nüchtern bleiben
- nicht mehr nüchtern sein
- nüchtern fahren
Describing personality/attitude
- nüchterne Art
- nüchterne Haltung
- sehr nüchtern
Describing objects/style
- nüchterne Einrichtung
- nüchterne Architektur
- nüchterner Stil
Analysis and assessment
- nüchterne Analyse
- nüchterne Einschätzung
- nüchterne Betrachtung
会話のきっかけ
"Hast du heute schon etwas getrunken, oder bist du noch nüchtern?"
"Wie würdest du deine Herangehensweise an Probleme beschreiben: eher emotional oder eher nüchtern?"
"Was denkst du über minimalistisches Design? Ist es für dich zu nüchtern?"
"Musstest du schon einmal vor einer medizinischen Untersuchung nüchtern bleiben?"
"Was ist der Unterschied zwischen sachlich und nüchtern, deiner Meinung nach?"
日記のテーマ
Beschreibe eine Situation, in der es wichtig war, einen nüchternen Kopf zu bewahren. Was hast du getan?
Denke an ein Objekt oder einen Ort, den du als 'nüchtern' beschreiben würdest. Warum ist er so?
Wie wichtig ist es dir, in deinen Entscheidungen nüchtern zu sein? Gib ein Beispiel.
Schreibe über eine Erfahrung, bei der du nüchtern bleiben musstest (nicht wegen Alkohol). Wie war das?
Vergleiche die Bedeutung von 'nüchtern' im Deutschen mit ähnlichen Konzepten in deiner Muttersprache.
よくある質問
10 問The primary meaning of 'nüchtern' is 'sober' or 'not drunk'. This refers to a state where a person has not consumed alcohol. For example, a doctor might tell a patient they must remain 'nüchtern' before a surgery.
'Nüchtern' also has figurative meanings. It can describe someone or something as 'unemotional', 'pragmatic', or 'matter-of-fact'. It can also mean 'plain' or 'unadorned', used for objects, style, or architecture. For example, 'eine nüchterne Analyse' means a factual analysis, and 'ein nüchternes Zimmer' means a plain room.
Context is key. If the conversation is about parties, driving, or medical procedures involving alcohol, it's likely referring to sobriety. If the context is about decisions, analysis, personality, or design, it's likely referring to the unemotional, pragmatic, or plain meaning. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall topic.
It can be neutral or positive. Being 'nüchtern' (sober) is often a requirement or a responsible choice. Being 'nüchtern' (unemotional/pragmatic) can be seen as a sign of professionalism, reliability, and clear thinking, especially in serious situations. However, it can sometimes imply a lack of warmth or empathy, depending on the context.
'Nüchtern' means sober, while 'betrunken' means drunk or intoxicated. They are direct opposites when referring to the influence of alcohol.
It's very common to say that one must drive 'nüchtern', meaning sober. This is a legal requirement and a common piece of advice to ensure safety. For example, 'Sie müssen nüchtern Auto fahren.' (You must drive sober.)
Yes, it can. When used for objects, architecture, or design, 'nüchtern' means plain, unadorned, functional, and lacking decoration. For example, 'ein nüchternes Gebäude' (a plain building) or 'ein nüchterner Stil' (a plain style).
The noun form is 'Nüchternheit'. It can mean sobriety, or the quality of being unemotional, pragmatic, or plain.
Yes, very common ones include 'nüchtern bleiben' (to stay sober), 'nüchtern sein' (to be sober/unemotional), and the idiom 'einen nüchternen Kopf bewahren' (to keep a clear head).
It originates from Old High German 'nuchtarn', related to 'Nacht' (night), originally meaning to fast, especially overnight. This connection explains its link to sobriety and also a sense of discipline.
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Summary
The German word 'nüchtern' has two main meanings: 'sober' (not drunk) and 'unemotional' or 'plain'. Context is key to understanding which meaning is intended, whether describing a person's state, their attitude, or the appearance of an object.
- Sober; not drunk.
- Unemotional; pragmatic.
- Plain; unadorned.
- Used for people, actions, and objects.
Understand the Context
The meaning of 'nüchtern' heavily depends on the context. If you hear it in relation to alcohol or driving, it means 'sober'. If it's about decisions, personality, or design, it means 'unemotional', 'pragmatic', or 'plain'.
Explore Synonyms
For the 'unemotional' meaning, 'sachlich' (factual) and 'besonnen' (prudent) are good alternatives. For 'plain', 'einfach' (simple) and 'schlicht' (modest) work. Understanding these helps grasp the nuances of 'nüchtern'.
Use it Actively
Try to create sentences using both meanings of 'nüchtern'. For example, 'Ich muss nüchtern bleiben, bevor ich fahre' and 'Seine Analyse war sehr nüchtern.' This active use solidifies your understanding.
Master the Pronunciation
The 'ü' sound and the 'ch' sound can be challenging for English speakers. Practice saying 'nüchtern' clearly, paying attention to lip rounding for 'ü' and the throat sound for 'ch'.
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